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How To Remove Pill Stuck In Throat?
about 12 hours ago I tried to take an Excedrin pill for my headache but actually wound up choking on it. My room mate tried the Heimlich maneuver which apparently was not successful. I was told I passed out and fell to the floor. I guess the impact of the fall probably dislodged the pill but since then I think its stuck in my throat around the larynx area. I ve tried drinking plenty of liquids, including warm tea, tried eating bread, yogurt, and peanut butter. None of this has helped. The area is painful, it s it difficult and hurts to swallow and I feel s.o.b. Do I need to go the ED or can I wait till tomorrow to see if this improves. I only ask because I do not have any medical insurance at this time.
posted on
Sat, 10 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 4 Jul 2015
Answered on
Mon, 6 Jul 2015
Last reviewed on
Hello,
I went through your question. I understand your concern.
Based on your history it is clear that the tablet has entered upper respiratory tract. It is a serious problem. But, since you are fine now except the pain I think there is nothing to worry.
When something enters into trachea, our body will consider it as a foreign body and initiate a response to get rid of it. This inflammatory response causes pain. Increased secretion which will dissolve the tablet. Your pain will reduce after sometime.
If you don't have breathing problem, then there is nothing to worry.
Sometimes if tablet is not dissolved, it may dislodge and block your airway. In this case, you need to visit ER.
Take care.
In case if you have any other questions, please contact me. I'll be happy to help.
Regards,
Dr. Prathap Kumar
I went through your question. I understand your concern.
Based on your history it is clear that the tablet has entered upper respiratory tract. It is a serious problem. But, since you are fine now except the pain I think there is nothing to worry.
When something enters into trachea, our body will consider it as a foreign body and initiate a response to get rid of it. This inflammatory response causes pain. Increased secretion which will dissolve the tablet. Your pain will reduce after sometime.
If you don't have breathing problem, then there is nothing to worry.
Sometimes if tablet is not dissolved, it may dislodge and block your airway. In this case, you need to visit ER.
Take care.
In case if you have any other questions, please contact me. I'll be happy to help.
Regards,
Dr. Prathap Kumar
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